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Additionally, he is fluent in Brazilian Portuguese
A fictional miniseries based on the life of Ayrton Senna da Silva, a Brazilian racing legend who won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship three times. The character Laura Harrison, played by Kaya Scodelario, is fictional. It is based on journalists who covered Ayrton Senna’s career. Additionally, the Scoledario family is Brazilian, originating from Senna’s home state of São Paulo.
Early races in Senna’s career in England are shown on a racetrack next to a mountain range
There are no mountains in England – especially not in Norfolk, which is known for its flat landscape. The Netflix series Senna is a production whose aim is to portray the essence of Ayrton Senna not only as a driver, but also as a cultural and sporting icon. Over the course of six episodes, we are taken on a visual and emotional journey through the trajectory of one of Brazil’s greatest heroes. Technically, Senna shines, with masterfully filmed racing scenes that convey an intensity and realism that puts the viewer right on the track.
With every corner, acceleration and overtaking, the screen vibrates
The sound of the engines and the use of tight angles reproduce the adrenaline of Formula 1 racing with impressive authenticity. For those who grew up with Senna’s magical Sundays, the series manages to evoke that nostalgia, almost as if competing again. Gabriel Leone’s performance as Ayrton Senna is one of the production’s greatest strengths. Leone doesn’t just emulate Senna, he embodies his essence: his passion for motorsport, his almost obsessive perfectionism and the spiritual connection he had with what he did.
Senna is not just a story; this experience
Even in his most intimate and quiet moments, Leone conveys nuances that humanize the legend without diminishing his genius. While some critics have pointed out limitations in the dramatic development of the supporting characters, it is important to recognize Senna for what it is: a visual and emotional tribute to the driver’s legacy. The series’ aim is not to be a documentary, but a dramatized narrative that captures Senna’s cultural impact and brings his presence to life in the collective imagination. In that sense, this approach works as a reverential and emotional tribute.
For those who remember the joy of watching him win, this series is a gateway into the past
For new generations, it is an introduction to what made Ayrton Senna more than just a driver – a legend.